The Federal Government says a series of high-level meetings held in Washington, DC, last week between a Nigerian delegation and senior United States officials have resulted in a strengthened security partnership and new avenues of cooperation to protect citizens, especially in vulnerable communities.
The Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu held engagements with senior officials in the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the US Department of War.
According to a statement by Special adviser on Media and publicity to the president, Bayo Onanuga on the outcome of the visit, the Nigerian team repeatedly refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent attacks impact families and communities across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation warned that mischaracterising the situation as genocide risked deepening division and distorting realities on the ground.
Renewed Cooperation
The US Government, following the engagements is said to have affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. Areas outlined include:
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Enhanced intelligence support
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Expedited processing of defence equipment requests
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Potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to boost ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups
It also indicated its willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt, as well as technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms aimed at preventing and responding to violence.
Both sides further agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of collaboration.
